Meet Stephanie Diaz Steph is in her third year at UF studying Health Science. She plans to pursue a career in Healthcare as a physician once she graduates. She has been involved with CRU since her freshman year and is currently leading a Community Group, which she loves (s/o to m'girls). Steph finds herself being fascinated by unexpected things and is making a deliberate effort to explore them at her leisure. She spends her free time drinking coffee at Pascal's, having mini dance parties whenever the urge strikes, writing about her ideas, researching weird (sometimes gross) medical facts, talking to her mom on the phone, and spending time with people who make her laugh. If you see Steph at Pascal's, come say hi! She will remember your name. Q&A with StephanieHow long have you been a Pascal's barista? It all started on an early Monday morning in May of 2015. Why did you want to become a barista? Passion for coffee and the desire to learn more about it is what mainly drove me to want to become a barista. Pascal's, in particular, had a certain draw to it. Before I was a barista, I was a regular for about two years, loving the coffee and the atmosphere. I took notice of the difference between what I was getting at Pascal's versus what I was getting at other coffee shops, and became a little more knowledgable about what good coffee was. I guess I wanted to be a part of that. What kind of coffee do you keep in your pantry? I actually haven't brewed any coffee at home since I started working at Pascal's, which could also arguably be referred to as home. What do you most appreciate about the craft-coffee movement? I like how thoughtful the process of making coffee has become. Also, it tastes good. If you could have any drink in your cup right now, what would it be? Water. I'm gasping. As far as coffee is concerned, a cappuccino is my comfy go-to drink. What do you do on Saturday night? Join in on whatever thing my friends are doing that night or make an attempt at spontaneity. What song do you have stuck in your head right now? "Why not" by Hillary Duff. What's your go-to Pandora station at the coffeehouse? The Washed Out station. What do you think a coffeehouse’s role in the community is? I think what makes Pascal's so great is that it is almost a community in and of itself. A coffeehouse should provide a warm environment for people to feel a sense of belonging as well as provide a great product. Within an academic setting, I think a coffeehouse should also attempt to foster a culture of curiosity and learning.
0 Comments
Meet Honesty Abramowich Honesty is a second year public relations major at the University of Florida. As for the future, she isn't entirely sure what life after undergrad holds but she is confident that it will be full of adventure and opportunity. When she isn't behind the bar at Pascal's you can probably find her somewhere in Pascal's trying to do work but secretly hoping people will come sit and talk to her (hint hint). In her free time she also independently studies poetry, modern art, and ponders the perfect response to the endless list of puns made on her name. She also enjoys karaoke nights at The Backyard, dancing, driving, and figuring out how to survive without ever having to cook. Honesty lives in a bright yellow house with six other girls who are constant reminders of what it means to be considerate, patient, vulnerable, and loving. Q&A with Honesty
How long have you been a Pascal's barista? I'm starting up the second semester of many more to come. Why did you want to become a barista? I came into Pascal's just about every single day last year for several hours a day and fell in love with it all. The atmosphere, the drinks, the baristas, and the customers. Added bonus, I get to smell like coffee 24/7. What kind of coffee do you keep in your pantry? I don't keep coffee on deck considering I'm never really home during the day and don't have much of a pantry to begin with. I still rely on Pascal's for my day to day coffee needs. However, I really dig Bold Bean so I could definitely see myself keeping them in my dream pantry. What do you most appreciate about the craft-coffee movement? I think it is awesome that people are becoming more aware of the entire journey of the coffee they are drinking. Being able to appreciate the roots of the coffee, all the way from how the farmers are treated to how the coffee is harvested, makes each cup of coffee that much more special. As a barista, I am thankful to be a part of that journey and help others come to appreciate how thoughtful and intricate the craft-coffee movement is. If you could have any drink in your cup right now, what would it be? Iced Cuban Lattes course through my veins. However, I'm beginning to appreciate less sweet drinks more and more each day. I can vibe to a Kenya pour over or cappuccino these days. What do you do on Saturday night? This past Saturday night I took a spontaneous road trip to St. Pete with one of my dearest friends. Two weeks ago I spent several hours trying to catch the possum that keeps getting into our trash can. I try to make sure no Saturday night is ever the same. What song do you have stuck in your head right now? Glass Animals' Zaba album has been playing on repeat in my head. I'm sure the answer to this question will change a week from now. What's your go-to Pandora station at the coffeehouse? Alt-J. 50% because I like the station, 50% because it's fun watching Scott get annoyed. What do you think a coffeehouse’s role in the community is? To create an environment where friendships are made. I think it's funny because I so often see people come in with the intention of studying or getting some reading done but get swept up in friendship and conversation within the first ten minutes. I love that. Don't get me wrong, coffeehouses are great places to study, but from observation and personal experience, they are where deeper connections with people are made. 
|
